The first teaser for a highly anticipated new science fiction series from Ryan Murphy has ignited a wave of online reaction, with many viewers instantly drawing comparisons to a recent award-winning horror film.
First Look at 'The Beauty'
Released on 22 December, the debut trailer for FX's The Beauty introduces a world transformed by a revolutionary medical breakthrough. The series, created by Murphy and Matthew Hodgson, centres on a glossy, injectable super-drug that promises to make users "drop dead gorgeous". The teaser shows supermodel Bella Hadid's character ageing backwards after a dose, but also suffering alarming side-effects, including her body glowing red and overheating.
The official synopsis reveals a darker narrative. When international models begin dying in gruesome ways, FBI Agents Cooper Madsen (Evan Peters) and Jordan Bennett (Rebecca Hall) investigate, uncovering a conspiracy that leads them to Ashton Kutcher's character, 'The Corporation', who is determined to protect his trillion-dollar empire.
Viewers Spot Striking Similarities
Almost immediately, social media users began labelling the show "The Substance TV show", referencing the 2024 body horror film starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. That film also features an injectable substance that creates a youthful second body, leading to violent consequences.
"Ryan Murphy's The Substance?" one viewer questioned online. Another commented, "I’m really looking forward to this series but I really wish they wouldn’t have made a trailer so similar to The Substance." Further reactions called the preview a "rip-off", highlighting the shared concept of a beauty-enhancing drug with a horrific cost.
Star-Studded Cast and Release Schedule
Alongside the leading trio, the 11-episode series boasts a glittering roster of guest stars including Nicola Peltz Beckham, Meghan Trainor, and Ben Platt. The release strategy is set for a major streaming push.
The first three episodes will launch on Disney+ in the UK on 22 January, with new instalments following every Thursday. For the final two weeks, viewers will get two episodes per week. Audiences in the United States can access the series a day earlier, from 21 January, via FX on Hulu.
While the parallels to The Substance dominate early chatter, the combination of Ryan Murphy's provocative storytelling and a high-wattage cast ensures The Beauty will be one of the most talked-about new series entering the new year.
